Program allows artists with various disabilities to shine
The oil painting of “Yellow Birds” won a first-place award for Paul Zoppetti, a member of the Open Arms Drop-in Center in Waynesburg.
Paul Zoppetti takes a break from his art work to pose for a opictgure at the Open Arms Drop-in Center in Waynesburg.
With some of his art work in the background and his first-place certificate and congratulatory letter from Gov. Tom Corbett pinned to a board, Paul Zoppetti, launches into another art project at the Open Arms Drop-In Center in Waynesburg.
Victoria Murphy, co-director of the Open Arms Drop-In Center in Waynesburg, gives Paul Zoppetti some advice as he produces another piece of art.
WAYNESBURG – If art is the universal language, people should listen to Paul Zoppetti.
Zoppetti, 48, is an individual in mental health recovery who attends Open Arms Drop-In Center, 30 N. Washington St., Waynesburg. He loves art, so much so that his “Yellow Birds” creation on oil won first place in a statewide art contest and he received a congratulatory letter from Gov. Tom Corbett.
The contest was created through a partnership between the governor’s office, The Arc of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts. The contest received nearly 400 entries from 40 different counties and from individuals age 3 to 93.
The art project is funded through grants received by Greene Arc to support the art program and Greene County Human Services is funding the program this fiscal year.
Artists with various disabilities showed that art truly is a universal language. Artists displayed incredible talent, Corbett noted in this letter, and an impressive mastery of their chosen media.
“Our hope is that Pennsylvanians recognize that the incredible talents showcased in this art contest are just a glimpse into the broad range of talent and potential possessed by individuals with disabilities,” he said.
Zoppetti’s talent and success are a testament to the commitment of Greene Arc and its executive director, Cynthia Dias, and local artist Kyle Hallam, who has been able to tap the creativity of those with special needs.
Hallam has received several grants, among them a Sprout Fund through the Community Foundation of Greene County, to design and implement an arts and crafts program working with physically and mentally challenged clients at Greene Arc in Ruff Creek.
“Cardboard from the recycling center was the material used to create many of the art projects,” Hallam said.
The recycling service for Greene County is one of Greene Arc’s programs that provides support to consumers in the work place. Some materials recycled include plastics, tin, glass, cardboard and newspaper.
“Many artists have successfully used recyclable materials as an art medium,” Hallam said. “Some of the most compelling and creative works have been born out of the simplest and most abundant of materials – recyclables.”
The center’s walls are covered in artwork created by those who attend the center, some of whom live in the Waynesburg area and walk to the site, and others who are transported by the county’s transportation system. Zoppetti is a resident of the Ewing Manor Personal Care Home in Rogersville.
Hallam explained that Greene County used Green Art-Expression of Recovery, for those in mental health recovery.
“I just want to say how proud, how very proud we all are of those who participated in this art project,” Dias said. “The members are able to express themselves through the art medium. We have seen individuals engage, enjoy and express and it all aids in assisting in recovery.”
Hallam, meanwhile, said being artistic is not necessary to benefit from art therapy. “No previous art experience or artistic talent is needed to participate in art therapy. Art therapy is used as a primary form of therapy or serves as an accompanying treatment to other forms of therapy.”
With guidance and support, art can facilitate new insights, expression of emotion, resolve conflicts and formulate new perceptions that in turn lead to positive change, growth and healing.
This was quite evident watching members at work. Zoppetti, particularly, becomes so engrossed in his work that he becomes oblivious to surrounding stimuli that could become agitating.
“I think it is quite amazing what Paul accomplished,” Hallam said. “I know how proud he is of his work.”